it's very simple why Singapore is not on the list. It's just
hard-nose foreign policy
Some of those countries on it are some of the world's most
influential nations.
Mexico and Canada both shares a border with US. It makes sense
to include them so as to foster better relations, and to get
support on border issues.
Japan and South Korea both houses US troops. If he offends
either of those countries and US troops have to be moved, then the
US military will not be in a situation to react fast to any
military activities from North Korea.
And if he includes Singapore and not China or Russia, how big a
slight would it be to those 2 nations or other nations much more
influential than us.
And yes, while we are a close ally, seriously we don't have the
influence to warrant an official response on the media. Stop
looking too much it.
I think it's good that someone from his team is thinking of how
to handle foreign affairs as under Bush, it was woefully
underperformed.
In that entire list, all of them have formal alliances with the
US.
Singapore is just a regional partner with some FTAs.
A possible reason why the SG government isn't too excited about
Obama is cos he is a Left-leaning liberal, who may seek
protectionist means to tweak their economy. If he does that,
our FTAs with the US may be affected, thereby negatively affecting
OUR economy.
